Collaboration to improve descriptive writing facilitated by Padlet: an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) action research study

Abstract

Introduction: This study was applied in a public technological institute in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It aimed at improving writing skills through collaboration among students using Padlet. Participants were 18 students enrolled in the first semester. Method: The application of the study focused on a constructivist approach where students were able to share ideas, give and receive feedback among their peers and teachers, and construct their knowledge and understanding. This investigation took place over twenty-four hours of class time. It employed a quantitative method. Different instruments such as pre, post-test, and survey were used to collect data. Results: After the practice, students exhibited an improvement of about 11 points in the posttest compared to the pretest. The outcome of this study obtained Cohen’s d=1.22. Conclusion: The survey taken confirmed that students identified collaborative writing in Padlet as useful, and enriching. This research is addressed to teachers and directors involved in the field of EFL education who want to improve their teaching practices.